Dominica is to become a beneficiary of the World Bank Climate Change project following the signing of a US$38 million contract on Tuesday morning.
Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, signed the contract on behalf of Dominica.
Speaking at Tuesday’s ceremony World Bank official Alessandro Legrottaglie explained that the project will address one of Dominica’s main problems; disasters and how to deal with them.
“This project is going to address one of the main challenges of Dominica which is disasters and how to face disasters,” he said. “Disasters have a negative impact on the livelihood, they destroy houses, infrastructure and more important they undermine the capacity of the government to deliver basic services to the most vulnerable segments of the population which usually live in the most remote and disposed areas of the country.”
According to him, although the project is a complex one, it will improve the island’s capacity to prevent disasters and adapt to climate change. Legrottaglie added further that the bank looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the government of Dominica.
Prime Minister Skerrit, said that he is pleased to sign the financing agreement which will give effect to the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)/Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP).
“We are most grateful for the grant component from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) in the amount of USD $12,000,000. We are also happy that the Strategic Climate Fund loan of USD $9,000,000 and the IDA loan of USD $17,000,000 which is highly concessionary,” he noted.
The Prime Minster revealed that both interest rates stand at 0.5%
“The government of Dominica sees the financing arrangements under the PPCR and DVRP as fairly consistent with government’s fiscal policy and position. We have always said that as far as possible we will mobilize grant resources instead of loans to undertake development interventions in this country,” he stated.
He noted that the proposed interventions seek to reduce Dominica’s vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change impacts through investments in infrastructure as well as improved hazard data collection and monitoring.
He pointed out that the project will undertake major roads and related physical infrastructure, to include improvements in the eastern and other parts of the country as follows; Pond Casse to Bois Diable, Bois Diable to Castle Bruce, Castle Bruce to Petite Soufriere, Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden to include the Carib Territory and Atkinson.
It will also include Dubique phase 1 cliff stabilization and road works, the West Coast water projects, project storage tanks and a water inventory, capacity building and an adaptation to climate change, formation of special data management system, improving and expanding of climate change and seismic monitoring system, agro-forestry, food security and soil stabilization, sustainable land management and construction of storm drains.
“These interventions are comprehensive and will result in tremendous benefits to the residents of all the neighboring communities,” Skerrit said. “The project will seek to build the capacity of the country, to undertake risk analysis and mapping and establish a mechanism to incorporate the findings into development planning.”
@ discombobulated
You have your opinion and I have mine. As you, I am free to provide my opinion. Therefore cease your ciriticism.
With your huge pseudonym you should know better. Are you narrow-minded or what?
If you are alert, sensible and broadminded you should know that credit is here to stay. In bygone years when there was no credit, what were countries and people able to obtain?
Those banks and companies realized that it is necessary. However, they should charge an interest rate because they pay n interest for borrowing money which they lend to others.
There is a reason why loans are granted. Countries survive on loans. So do people. How about the local banks, other financial institutions and stores that people borrow money from and purchase items on credit?
Broadminded people know that loans are accorded with interest. Everyone knows it. If and when they are able, they could pay off the loan sooner.
Who in this world waits some years to purchase what they want? While they wait to accumulate the money, interest and cost of items increase.
Are you stupid or what to state that they are under the helms of those banks? Those who endorse this are equally or more stupid.
Simply pay your bills until you can find the money to pay it in full as some are doing. Or do without the items without complaining and being miserable and causing others hardships.
For Dominica, it is necessary that a loan/grant be granted. This is a way of life. How many nationals pay income tax to maintain providing cost of necessary road repairs, new bridges and to make roads accessible to its nationals. Need I say more on this matter? Smarten up!
Simply the truth the way you talk one would swear banks are our friends exisitng only to help us. On the contrary, banks are a necessary evil exisiting strictly to make as much profit as is possible and in the case of developing nations the entire system set up to help but to cripple us and keep us weak, begging, non threats and more importantly sources of wealth for their own private sectors pillagng and plundering whatever resources we have leaving us with as little as possible.
so while yes your point on how many nationals pay taxes is a good one thus the necessary evil of borrowing when we do have to enter that treacherous arena to then use these precious resources for state palaces and other non revenue generatig projects it is the ultimate in assinine and irresponsiblility and that government must be removed at all costs.
A rehash of projects we have heard for the past three years.Water supply ,airport road,still not complete ect.
The island is sinking under Morne Debt
Ignorance is alive and well on DA. This place is hopeless.
What about you?
Hello and good morning my people. Please look at the history of the World Bank because every Country they give money to they tell the Government that they must cut back on employees. So what are we going to do in six months when they say we must reduce the Government work force and where the people going to find jobs. Look at Greece, Portugal , Spain and many African countries so please remember I told you all so.
Are you comparing those countries to Dominica’s minimal population? Ask yourself who is really responsible for the poverty which exists in the country?
Tell all youths, students to be diligent in their studies. Poverty exists in every country, based on some nationals who live as they so wish; never educating themselves so that they could obtain well-paying, stable jobs. They are responsible for the poverty those countries are experiencing. These people think the government owes them everything but they do not owe their country anything. If they cared for themselves and for their country they would apply themselves accordingly.
Simply the Truth.
Hello and good afternoon my people. Hi am not talking about poverty in Dominica rather am talking about what the World Bank does when the loan money to Countries. They conduct a review of the Government Resources,Ect Tax collocation and outstanding Debt,Ect Bonds. Then they tell that Government that they must lay off workers.
Now you should know that our people excel in Math and Science where ever we migrate to. I have one question for you. Do you create any jobs in Dominica ?
This is all gimmick,nothing major is going to come from this money.
It is more than money. It is absolute control of the island. Only fools get involved with the world bank.
Without the World Bank and other such banks small islands could not survive. This is when D/cans will complain and shout poverty and blame the government. Be appreciative.
does this mean that the people who got flooded out on shopping day 2013 will finally receive some financial aid so that they can get their lives back together?
With left than a year left in office the PM should not sign anything on our behalf. He should take absolutely no decisions on our behalf whether to give Bishop, or pastor so and so. All we need him to do at this time is to serve his time like out going US Presidents do. Our trust in him is gone!
Dominicans must thank the World Bank and also the PM for being instrumental in having the confidence of the W.B. in order to be able to obtain this amount of money on behalf of Dominicans. Were it not for the type of PM, the government D/ca has, it would not be able to obtain this loan. Obviously, there are conditions to be met which will be fulfilled by this government in time.
Nationals must pray for their country, for the government as they do for themselves. Nothing good, beneficial and lasting is achieved without genuine prayers.
Be less critical and if you can help it, none at all. Be positive and grateful. Look forward to better times under the leadership of the current PM. You better believe it. I never speak or write in vain.
God bless Dominica and all, especially resident Dominicans.
With climate change we also need political CHANGE. The main challenge to Dominica at present is Disaster Skerrit and DLP. These disasters have had a negative impact on our livelihood. They have destroyed our economic infrastructure and more important they have undermined the capacity of our Country to deliver basic services and now only providing hand outs to the most vulnerable segments of the population, who usually live in the most remote and disposed areas of the country.. For that reason WE WANT CHANGE and voting UWP/TEAM Dominica.
You have a free mind to do or not to do. Take your chances. When this occurs and if you are disappointed, blame no one but yourself.
That waste of time PM he just going around like a healthy begger begging for money for himself and his parasites in government claiming its for the people of Dominica. All he is doing is signing loans left and right for the people of Dominica to pay. Dominicans do not agree with the shitt u are doing. This is why CHANGE IS A MUST…..DOMINICANSWAKE UP! THINGS WILL NOT GET ANY BETTER….
Consider, if he did not what would happen to you and of all Dominica? All governments of the world beg (if you call it that)for money. Therefore cease your negativity. Be broad-minded which you are sadly lacking.
Soufriere….the road and those dangerous cliffs…….give the Red Cross some money so they can distribute blankets, lanterns, food to those who need at these times during the hurricane season…and the Shelters can be better equipped…
The government has plans to distribute the money accordingly. Have patience. Whatever is to happen, will happen in time. Give the government a break to decide how the money will be allocated for projects.
Does Skerrit know how this money came about? This money was applied for as projects from different departments of government, approved by the World Bank under the climate change fund and Skerrit is only signing the document as a formality. He knows nothing of this money and will have no say in how it is spent.
Ask no questions. They are futile. The World Bank is in control and rightfully so. I would not worry about it. They have the expertise to know and direct how the funds will be allocated and for whatever project. They will also assist the PM in such matters.
You are not the PM of Dominica. Not a cent of yours goes into it. The PM signed it on behalf of D/ca. Therefore, as you should, give it your blessings and cease your criticism. It does no good.
Dominica is in need of much help. All some of you do is to criticize the PM and say he should do this and that and what he should do as if you are experts and he has a money tree and you contribute an ample amount to the economy. Why do you not become a politician?
Your name is synonymous with your comment. “Sac Sot”
Oh your name suits you so well….
Sac Sot what is your problem? Do you even know the role of Cabinet?
Go study the role of governments boss your sac sot!!!!! You really believe is the Ministers that does prepare projects?? Well sac sot they don’t that’s why there are many technocrats and Permanent Secretaries employed, but am not surprise you would think that way because that;s what the opposition wants you to believe. They talk as if all knowledge resides in their head and they will write all projects because they are Lawyers and Phds.
So SAC SOT am glad you finally getting some knowledge, so even if workers win the election the same procedures will continue. One more lesson for you SAC SOT…. Ministers cannot sign government Cheques, yes that includes the Prime Minister, they are not authorized to sign cheques and yes the same rule will exist under a uwp government, they are Policy and Legislature Makers.
Ok SAC SOT!!!!!!!
You are so correct. Residing in Canada, a new government changes nothing; hardly nothing. Everything remains in place which previous governments instituted.
Some people/critics are not aware of that. On the contrary a new government may be worst and institute cut-backs. I have noticed and experienced this in Canada.
May they learn from this and cease their criticisms and expectations of a new government. They know what they have but they do not know what they will get.
Some electors are too narrow-minded and cannot think beyond. They are not smart enough to realize this. May they learn from others.
Mr Pm don’t be side tracked remember the majourity of Dominicans are behind you, forward we go no time for nonsense .
@Listener, I guess you must be listening to the wrong persons or wrong program. You said the majority of Dominicans are behind Skerrit? I am quite sure you don’t live in Dominica and the person (s) that you listening to is /are lying to you.
Millions bowling but Just do not neglect Gbay. The temporary bridge that joins gbay to dubique needs to be permanent and Mechum needs attention. I not in the politics thing just remember South City. That’s all i have to say.
put the people back to work promote agriculture, find market just next door in the caribbean, fix the roads where 4x 4s can no longer go P M do it right you know very well what the country needs are, use this money to improve common people lives, where they vote for you or not become a 21s century leader, put a full stop to your critic.the natural development path for DOMINICA is there for all to see, let us not swim up stream DOMINICA is bless keep is so.
blessed in what regard
i applaud you continued efforts at setting this country up for success PM this is a major project with tremendous benefits for the communities highlighted.
May all Dominicans be appreciative. It is for the benefit of all.
I really cannot tell if this is good or bad because the IMF and the world bank, I do not trust them as far as I can throw them. They basically exist to keep poorer nations dependant on richer ones. However, on the flip side, we do need to do something about our preparedness in relation to disasters. The amount seems a bit excessive however. I hope that money is put to good use. We are in desperate need of interior infrastructure, amongst other things.
There you go again, narrow-minded and no in-depth to this situation. Your statement, always negative; never positive.
Can anyone trust you?
It is a statement, a question of integrity I would never consider making.
The IMF and the World Bank as the Caribbean Bank have been around for years and who knows before you were born or when a baby or older child. They have not yet deceived any government of a country whom they assisted. They are there to assist countries that are in need and have been performing very well in this field. Thank God for them.
I did not realise we follow people on here to make comments. Here I go again? That’s quite sad. As a human being I have a right to my views and so do you. It seems you memorise everyone who comment on dno and follow them around. Sad indeed.
My views stand. The IMF and world bank keep poorer nations dependant on richer nations. That’s my view. It could be an incorrect view but based on all the years that the world bank and imf have been so helpful, as you say. Why are the countries they have been helping remain poor today? Ever asked yourself that question? A country gets itself out of poverty from within with hard work and ideas from it’s citizens. India china and Brazil are prime examples.
I hope DR D will get our sea wall for us at dubique and fix our road for us now…..with all that money i hope labar ka tavy ba nou in te savanne and other villages cause we tired vote for nothing .we are taken for granted to long come on DR D its time to pay back //////////////
that is for north road
First things first. Priority comes first. Take time to do good. It will happen in time. You have an MP take your concerns to the right authority. Keep at it and do so respectfully and peacefully.
Ian Douglas ous la ous yais . I looked at where Ian is living at his parents house and the sea is a few feet away from the house. There is a dire need for sea defense walls in lagoon and PortsmouthPortsmouth. I looked at the houses in lagoon along the beach along Rudolph Thomas ti the Lagoon River and these property owners should be very very concern.
I am not so dumb ti not realize that Portsmouth is a prostitutes constituency of the Labor Party and our votes are stored in the house of the rising sun so we are not included.
Those houses have been there for years. D/ca has had many hurricanes, storms and tidal waves. Why only now you see the problem? Were you born yesterday?
If you note this problem, write to your MP or arrange a meeting to address the issue.
The problem with some of you is, you see and you do not see as also non-doers. Then you criticize.
Whose fault was it in the first place that there was not a retaining wall? If you take a look all around D/ca as Roseau, Pottersville, etc., there are similar situations.
In those days D/cans accepted their lot. They were not complainers as your generation.
Fanstastic.
Wherez the TULULU comments?
@UDHREADYET, ask the CRAB catcher about the TULULU. The CRAB catcher must be at those villas.
Will we EFFECTIVELY accomplish all these things as expressed in the ante-penultimate and pen-ultimate paragraphs on a mere 38 million dollars. I guess on a tight budget!!!!
Its all good. Low interests rates like these are great. Lets see how long it takes to execute the projects. We are still waiting with the airport road many many years behind schedule and over budget.
I hope Grand Bay will be on the list for a long awaiting bridge across the Grand Rivierre to connect to the Dubique Fond St,Jean road. It’s been over two decades now the people have been living with the temporary bridge that’s long over stayed its lifetime.
More burden on the backs of people who are already impoverished. Yes I!
Another set of money our children have to pay back and trust me, we aren’t going to see anything substantial from these funds.
If I were you I would not worry about it. Ensure that your children are diligent in studies and when they graduate to obtain a well-paying, stable job so that they could also contribute to the revenue of the country. Too many have not been attentive to studying in school. They became school dropouts. It will not solely be on them to pay back what D/ca owes. The government will pay what it can. The country will not grow bankrupt. The manner in which the world is going, we will be fortunate if it does not end in a few years.
In this era the government has taken on the responsibility of financially assisting those in need as some of you criticize the PM about it, saying that he has made D/ca into a welfare state instead of putting the blame where it belongs, on people who preferred living a leisure life, having babies, out of wedlock. some with different partners even not knowing their fathers and not knowing how they will be supported. Some have resorted to a life of drinking and illegal drugs.
Tell me, in this present age how many nationals can afford to pay back anything? In bygone years, to our knowledge, D/ca received no help from the World Bank, IMF and Caribbean Bank including other foreign/outside organizations. How did D/ca survive? Nationals did not starve. God always provides.
It was for this reason why Dominica was not progressive because of not receiving outside help. If it did, D/cans were not aware of it. In those days we did not have TV, Internet and computers and the government was not transparent. Therefore, D/cans were left in the dark about their government and whether they received ouside help from organizations. Today they are aware of it but soon forget what it was like in those days, if they are old enough to remember.
Did you read the article?? My Gosh with you people!!!!
What is something substance?
please include sidewalks somewhere in your plans pm